SEATTLE - They are extremely low-income, living with HIV/AIDS and at high risk of homelessness. Today, more than 1,100 persons and their families will find a stable home, and receive the services they need to manage their illnesses, because of $19.3 million in grants awarded by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston.

"These grants are quite literally a lifeline for those struggling to find a decent home while trying to manage complex drug therapies," said Preston. "Working closely with our local partners, we can offer these families the support they need to concentrate on staying healthy instead of worrying how they'll pay next month's rent."

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) will receive $915,440 to continue providing permanent housing, comprehensive case management, and short-term housing assistance to persons living with HIV/AIDS in the northern interior and in southeast Alaska. The AHFC serves individuals and families in rural, hard-to-reach locations. The program will utilize its renewal funding to assist current program participants who are in need of additional support in order to maintain stable housing, as well to provide housing assistance to households who are not currently helped by AHFC. Over the next three years, the program will provide tenant-based rental assistance to 10 households annually; short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance to 25 households annually; and supportive services to 40 households annually. AHFC will continue to partner in this project with Interior AIDS Assistance and the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association.